What Wade and Bosh To Miami Means For The Rest Of The League

Well today Pat Riley truly pulled a rabbit out of his hat in getting commitments Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade to join the Miami Heat next season. Just a few days ago the Heat seemed to be dead in the water, with it seeming likely that they would strike out in free agency. Now the only fear that most Heat fans have is who they will have to play in the finals. Though it is not a guarantee that the Heat will win the East, they certainly seem to be on the right track. Now the question that most fans have is how will these signings affect the rest of the NBA?

Tomorrow night Lebron James will announce where he plans on playing next year. Seemingly James will decide between the Cleveland Cavaliers, the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat, the New Jersey Nets, and the Chicago Bulls. Whichever one of these teams land James will all of a sudden boost themselves to the top of their conference.

Most people are now left wondering, will the addition of Bosh and Wade be enough to attract Lebron James, and if not will the Heat have enough to compete for the NBA Championship? The answer to the first question is absolutely unpredictable. Each of these five teams can make a case for Lebron coming to their team. However, the answer to the second question is a definitive yes.

The Heat have made all the right moves to put them in contention for an NBA championship right away. Even without Lebron the Heat will have enough cap room to bring in good enough role players to help them win.

Looking at the current Heat lineup of Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Michael Beasley, and Mario Chalmers the Heat clearly need to bring in a few more players to legitimize their roster; however, they are not in need of another star. Riley and the Heat have already gotten off to a good start adding three gems from the second round of the draft.

Da'sean Butler, Jarvis Varnado, and Dexter Pittman are three young players who are ready to make an impact right away. Butler led his West Virginia Mountaineers to the Final Four last year, and is an explosive scorer. Jarvis Varnado, the all-time leading college shot blocker, will be a defensive presence on the inside. And of course Dexter Pittman will be a big body to throw around in the low post.

As for the rest of the lineup, the Heat just need a few more minor pieces. Pat Riley seems to already be moving in the right direction. Rumors have been flying around that the Heat may try to bring in a veteran point guard like Andre Miller. Along with another point guard the Heat could use another center and possibly another forward.

The Heat have already started moving on this as well. Brendan Haywood could possibly be headed to Miami via a sign-and trade from the Mavs. Wade and Bosh seem to be willing to do everything to help the cause, as they both stated today during an interview that they would be willing to take less money this season. These pay decreases may allow the Heat to bring in a Mike Miller, David Lee, or even a Ray Allen. Though none of these players are "superstars" their presence would be a major factor.

Every player obviously wants to contend for a championship and with the Heat signing Wade and Bosh, most other free agents realize that joining these two may give them a chance to win a championship.

If Pat Riley, Wade, and Bosh can recruit just a few more role players the Heat have a great chance at winning an NBA title. A lineup possibly including Andre Miller, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Brendan Haywood, and possibly a David Lee, Mike Miller, or Ray Allen would be a very tough lineup to beat.

With Wade and Bosh committed to Miami do not be surprised if Lebron chooses to join them. If not still expect to see the Heat contending for an NBA title in the 2010-2011 season.